Modern: New Zealand Homes from 1938 to 1977 - launched in cool style

Cool, swanky, colourful; these are just a few of the words which come to mind when describing the mood at last Thursday night’s book launch for Jeremy Hansen’s stunning book, Modern: New Zealand Homes from 1938 to 1977 , at Bauer Media in central Auckland.

Fitting for a book that celebrates sleek design and simplicity, Modern was launched in the lobby of Bauer Media’s uber cool  new office space in the former old Cityworks Depot. High ceilings and concrete floors contained a huge crowd of nearly 100 architects, media, advertisers and notable Aucklanders, including Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Christine Fernyhough, David Mitchell, and many of the homes’ owners.

Bauer Media’s Lisa Ralph, Publisher – Premium and Specialist Titles, welcomed everyone to the launch and talked about how proud she and her team at Bauer were of Jeremy and what he had accomplished with the publication of Modern.

 In officially launching Jeremy’s book, Nicola Legat, Random House Publisher, paid tribute to his erudition and diligence, saying what a joy it had been to work with such a consummate professional. Strikingly designed by the award-winning team of Arch MacDonnell and Sarah Gladwell from Inhouse, Modern’s high production values were noted and praised.

In response, Jeremy thanked the many creative people who played a part in the production and publication of Modern, not least the modernist architects whose work is celebrated in the book. Their legacy is a gift to the nation and one which deserves to be more fully recognised. These simple, elegant homes still have much to teach us about how we can live well now.

The room fairly buzzed with lively conversation and laughter, encouraged by a fine selection of wines from generous sponsor Brancott Estate, including their intriguing new Special Reserve Sauvignon Gris varietal, which many guests declared “delicious”. 

Unsurprisingly, not a drop was left by the end of the night and Jeremy was kept busy signing books well beyond the launch’s conclusion, with many folk buying multiple copies. 

With Christmas fast approaching Modern is the absolute perfect gift for anyone interested in New Zealand homes, architecture and design.

Modern - author Jeremy Hansen addresses the large gathering

Published by Random House NZ under their Godwit imprint - Hardcover - $75.00